Endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum using CO2 laser.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to review the technique of endoscopic laser-assisted esophagodiverticulostomy (ELAED) for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.

METHODS

We reviewed 83 cases of ELAED performed for the treatment of Zenker's diverticuli during the past decade.

RESULTS

ELAED-treated patients had a reduced hospital stay and were able to start an oral diet earlier than were patients who underwent other surgical procedures. Two (2.4%) of our patients developed small fistulas, which closed spontaneously. An additional 2 (2.4%) of our patients required conversion to an open approach due to inadequate endoscopic exposure, and 5 (6%) required a revision endoscopic procedure for persistent symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series of 83 patients treated at 2 large academic centers during the past decade with an average follow-up of 4 years demonstrates that ELAED is a safe and effective procedure for the management of Zenker's diverticulum.